The Solomon Islands beach soccer team has beaten Vanuatu in the finals 5 - 3, earning them the right to represent Oceania in the upcoming 2007 World Beach Soccer Championship in Brazil.
The Bilikiki Boys held on to the much fancied OFC beach soccer trophy in cold conditions at the North Shore Stadium today. Despite the cold Kiwi weather, the Bilikiki boys blazed the sand on their way to re-capturing the cup.Reports from the Oceania Football website stated that the Bilikiki boys took an early 2-0 lead in the first two quarters. Vanuatu, displaying its class and professionalism, retained composure and came back to be within 1 goal in the third period 3-4. Bilikiki wonder boy, James Naka, put the game beyond reach scoring the winning goal for Solomon Islands. The game ended 5 - 3 in favor of the Bilikiki boys.
Goal scorers for the Bilikiki boys in the final were Samson Takayama, Benjamin Mela, Henry Koto and James Naka who scored 2 goals.
Bilikiki wonder boy, James Naka, walked away with the much coveted "player of the tournament" award.
Hosts New Zealand, in their first ever Oceania event, had to settle for third spot defeating Tahiti 5-3.
With their stunning win, the Solomon Islands will carry the hopes of Oceania when the team re-visits Brazil to take part in the 2007 World Beach Soccer Championships. Not bad for a team that only started playing the beach soccer code in the inaugural Oceania beach soccer tournament last year.